Class Schedule

Orientation - September 16, 2026

Business & Economy - October 21, 2026

Business & Economy Day is designed to familiarize you with the local economic landscape in the Glades.  This day will include tours of area businesses and an opportunity to learn about the benefits as well as specific challenges of doing business in the Glades directly from the leaders within these well-established organizations.

Wear your walking shoes as this day will provide an even balance of tours and presentations.  No jewelry or open-toed shoes will be allowed in certain facilities

Class of 2023-2024 touring FINFROCK

Education & Cultural Arts - November 18, 2026

Education & Cultural Arts Day is designed to enhance your understanding of the region’s educational setting and cultural offerings.  The day will include tours and presentations of various educational and art-related facilities in the Glades and will offer opportunities to engage with local educators and artists. Presenters will cover local initiatives and programs that contribute to our community through learning and enrichment.

Wear your walking shoes as this day will be very busy. 

Class of 2022-2023 touring Glades Day School

Health & Human Services - December 16, 2026

Health & Human Services Day is designed to showcase the critical health and social service challenges and innovations within the community. This day seeks to inspire participants with knowledge and networks to improve health outcomes and enhance the delivery of human services in the region through tours and demonstrations from our local leaders and experts.

Wear your walking shoes and outdoor-appropriate clothing. We are going to cover a lot of ground, some of which will be outside

Class of 2023-2024 touring PBCFR

Agriculture & Agribusiness - January 20, 2027

Agriculture & Agribusiness Day is designed to better acquaint you with the leading industry in the Glades, agriculture.  On this day you will tour fields and mills, and you will meet farmers, scientists, field workers and equipment operators that can provide insight into this fascinating industry and dispel myths and misconceptions about agriculture in the Glades.  It will be loud and dirty at times, but it will most certainly be educational, fun and even inspiring.

Break out your boots, a cap or hat and blue jeans today. We will be in the field (shoes WILL get dirty) and in the sun.

Class of 2023-2024 touring Duda Farms

Government & Judicial System - February 17, 2027

Government & Judicial Systems Day is designed to expose you to the innermost workings of our county and municipal governments and the criminal justice system of the Glades.  The day may include visiting a court room to observe judicial proceedings, interactions with elected officials, meeting law enforcement officers in the Glades, observing a law enforcement training demonstration and/or touring the jail.

No open-toed shoes or loose jewelry should be worn.

Class of 2023-2024 during PBSO demonstration

Environment & Water Management - March 17, 2027

Environment & Water Management Day is designed to provide participants with a firsthand look at the relationship between water management, agriculture, environmental restoration, and the communities of the Glades region. Throughout the day, class members will visit key locations within the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA), including regional pump stations, Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs), and restoration sites, while hearing directly from industry leaders, environmental experts, and representatives from the South Florida Water Management District and UF/IFAS about water infrastructure, Everglades restoration efforts, agricultural best management practices, and the balance between environmental stewardship and economic sustainability in South Florida.

Wear your walking shoes (no open-toed shoes) and outdoor-appropriate clothing. We are going to cover a lot of ground which will be outside.

Class of 2023-2024 enjoying an airboat ride in Lake Okeechobee

2-Hr Program Wrap-up - April 21, 2027

This two hour session, held immediately following the Chamber breakfast at Lakeside Medical Center, is your opportunity to give us your honest feedback about your experiences. This information will be used by the Advisory Board and Facilitators to help continuously improve our program.

Graduation - TBD

First Baptist Church of Belle Glade Fellowship Hall